At the beginning of winter, shorter days and colder nights, but we still get blue skies and sunny days. What used to be the quietest month of the year has, over the last decade, become a pretty busy time in the city thanks to the Vivid Sydney Festival.
Vivid runs for the first two weeks of June and Circular Quay, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, and the Botanic Gardens turn into a wonderland of light installations.
Average Temperatures: 18-10 °C (64-50°F)
While each year varies the last June saw 8 days of rain.
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Major June Events in Sydney
It is cool outside but that won’t keep Sydneysiders indoors. Vivid Sydney is one of the biggest annual events in the city and the whale watching season sees hundreds of us board boats every weekend to catch a glimpse of the whales making their way north for the summer.
- Vivid Sydney: Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June 2025
- Sydney Film Festival: 4-15 June 2025
- Whale Watching season begins
- Pride Month: 1-30 June 2025
Festivals, Fairs and Markets
Cronulla Jazz and Blues Festival
Eleven stages, over 100 artists, and everything from Jazz, Blues, Funk Soul, Alt-Country & Americana. Head to Dunningham Park, Monro Park, street buskers, or one of the ticketed performances at local venues.
When: TBC
Where: Cronulla Street Cronulla l Cost: Most events are free
More: Check the official website for the schedule.
Supanova Comic Con
Supanova Comic Con is back in 2025. Expect all the usual players on the exhibition floor and for both new and seasoned cosplays coming dressed their best.
Guests expected on the Q&A panel and event timetable are to be released. Some event headliners announced so far include: Neil Fanning.
When: 21-22 June 2025
Where: The Dome, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
Cost: Free for kids 12 and under. Tickets from $42.50. Find more information here.
Bondi Festival Ice Rink
Nothing says winter in Sydney like taking the family for a skate on the world-famous Bondi Festival Ice Rink. ice skates of all sizes and push-along penguins for the little ones, so shimmy into some skates and glide across the ice (or shuffle if you’re a first-timer) – all whilst enjoying the best view in town.
When: TBC
Where: Bondi Beach NSW
Tickets: $15 – 27, check their website for more details.
The Coal Loader Artisans Market
“Meet the Makers” at one of Sydney’s best artisans markets at the fabulous Coal Loader. The market offers you an opportunity to purchase original and creative handmade products directly from emerging and contemporary designers, artists, and makers.
Stalls display and sell art, ceramics, basketry, eco products, fashion, jewellery, textiles, food, children’s design, and much more.
When: TBC
Where: The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability 2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton
Markers and Shakers Market
130 stalls of handmade local product, I love everything about the Makers and Shakers concept. High-quality goods crafted with care and meticulous attention to detail. The markets foster a movement away from mass-produced products, championing the preservation of traditional skills and crafts.
By supporting local artisans and small businesses, you can contribute to a sustainable future through mindful consumption.
When: 14-15 June 2025
Where: White Bay Cruise Terminal – James Craig Road Rozelle
The Cronulla Winter Market
With more than 250 stalls combined, bringing fashion, art, craft, homewares, kids’ goods, candles, gifts, food and more to these two brilliant locations, showcasing brilliant small retailers from Cronulla and across Sydney.
There will also be a bounty of delicious global food to suit all tastes, live music, and plenty of activities for kids.
When: 28-29 June 2025
Where: Don Lucas Reserve Wanda Beach, Cronulla
Musicals, Opera and Theatre in Sydney in June
Cats
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical returns to Theatre Royal Sydney, 40 years after its Australian premiere. Join the Jellicle cats on their magical night as they compete to ascend to the Heaviside Layer, featuring the iconic song ‘Memory’ and spectacular dance numbers from the original production.
When: From June 2025
Where: Theatre Royal Sydney
Cost:
Eureka Day
Eureka Day Fresh from Broadway and West End success, this New York Times Critics’ Pick arrives in Sydney. When a mumps outbreak hits a progressive prep school, parental politics explode in Jonathan Spector’s razor-sharp comedy about vaccination, values and viral social media moments.
When: 29 May-21 June
Where: Seymour Centre, Cnr City Rd and Cleveland St Chippendale
The Spare Room
Helen Garner’s acclaimed novel comes to life starring Judy Davis and Elizabeth Alexander. When Helen’s friend Nicola arrives for alternative cancer treatment, a short stay becomes a loving, maddening battle of wills. A powerful story about friendship, care and what we live for.
When: June 7 – July 13
Where: Belvoir St Theatre (Upstairs), Surry Hills
The Half-Life of Marie Curie
Australian premiere of Lauren Gunderson’s heartfelt play about friendship and resilience, starring Rebecca Massey. When scandal erupts, Marie Curie finds sanctuary with fellow scientist Hertha Ayrton.
When: June 13 – July 12, 2025
Where: Ensemble Theatre, Kirribilli
Koreaboo
Hannah, a young woman raised in Australia, travels to Seoul to reconnect with her birth mother. But instead of the emotional reunion she expected, Hannah faces cultural differences and emotional distance. Koreaboo is a touching and humorous exploration of identity, culture, and family. Written by Michelle Lim Davidson and directed by Jessica Arthur, it’s a heartfelt story of reunion across cultures.
When: 14 June to 20 July
Where: Downstairs Theatre, Belvoir St Theatre
Cost:
Primary Trust
An uplifting Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy starring Albert Mwangi. When 38-year-old Kenneth loses his bookstore job, he’s forced to leave his comfort zone of mai tais with best friend Bert and face an uncertain future.
When: June 19 – July 12, 2025
Where: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall St, Kirribilli
Being Alive: The Music of Stephen Sondheim
An intimate concert celebrating Broadway’s greatest composer-lyricist, featuring his most beloved songs performed by four artists and a three-piece band. From the team behind Hayes’ acclaimed productions of Assassins, Merrily We Roll Along, and A Little Night Music. Directed by Sonya Suares.
When: June 25 – July 12, 2025 Mon. 6:30pm Tues.-Sat. 7:30pm Thurs, 1pm Saturday 2pm
Where: Hayes Theatre Co, Potts Point
Cost:
Coriolanus
Shakespeare’s explosive political drama comes to the intimate Neilson Nutshell. When Rome’s greatest warrior is banished for his contempt of democracy, he joins forces with his enemies to seek revenge. This rarely performed masterpiece explores the dangerous dance between power, pride and politics.
When: June 20-July 19, 2025 Previews: June 20-24 Season: June 25-July 19
Where: The Neilson Nutshell, Pier 2/3 Sydney
Cost:
SISTREN
Isla and Violet are two outspoken best friends from South London, navigating a divisive world where cultural and gender identities are constantly tested. In SISTREN, the pair’s cosmic connection is challenged by external forces, but their bond remains unshakable. Written by lolanthe and directed by Ian Michael, this play is a powerful examination of sisterhood and identity across boundaries.
When: 26 June to 12 July
Where: Old Fitz Theatre
Cost:
Strictly Baz Luhrmann
Opera Australia celebrates the iconic director’s cinematic legacy with a two-night musical extravaganza. Stars Tim Draxl, Alinta Chidzey, Ryan Gonzalez and Phoebe Panaretos join the Opera Australia Orchestra to perform hits from ‘Strictly Ballroom’ to ‘Elvis’, including ‘Love is in the Air’, ‘Kissing You’ and ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’.
When: June 23-24, 2025, 7pm
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $49
Film Festivals
Sydney Film Festival
The 71st Sydney Film Festival offers another exciting season of cinema amidst a whirlwind of premieres, red-carpet openings, in-depth discussions, film guests, and more.
When: 4-15 June 2025
Where: The State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Newtown, Palace Central, Palace Norton Street, Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne, Ritz Cinemas Randwick, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and Art Gallery of NSW
More: Visit the official site for ticket information
Children’s International Film Festival
Featuring daring adventures in the Himalayas, a journey through the fascinating world of art, heartwarming friendships, and an exciting blend of live-action and animation, the Children’s International Film Festival (CHIFF) returns for its fifth year, showcasing a program filled with family-friendly films.
When: TBC
Where: Sydney: Ritz Cinemas Randwick; Melbourne: Classic Cinemas Elsternwick, Lido Cinemas Hawthorn and Cameo Cinemas Belgrave
Tickets: Single Admission $15.00, Member tickets $13.00, Family Pass $52.00. Full details here.
The Korean Film Festival in Australia (KOFFIA)
The Korean film industry has produced some huge international hits over the last few years. This year’s festival features 13 films from a range of genres including drama, crime, fantasy, mystery, and romantic comedy.
All films are presented on the festival screen with English subtitles.
When: TBC
Where: Event Cinemas George Street
Music, Comedy and Dance
Baroque Unleashed
The Brandenburg’s virtuosos take center stage in this high-energy showcase. Features concertmaster Shaun Lee-Chen performing Locatelli, Robert Nairn’s Vivaldi, and Paul Dyer’s fresh take on Durante, plus beloved Baroque hits and rediscovered treasures.
When: June 17-21, 2025
Where: City Recital Hall, 2-12 Angel Place, Sydney
Cost: $20-59
Art and Exhibitions
Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes
Explore Australia’s most renowned and sometimes contentious art accolade, the Archibald Prize for portrait painting. Since 1921, it has captured the essence of life in this region, welcoming entries from across Australia and New Zealand.
Equally captivating, the Wynne Prize celebrates Australian landscapes and figure sculpture, while the Sulman Prize showcases subject and genre painting. Witness the must-see exhibition of finalists and winners, judged annually by the Art Gallery of New South Wales trustees.
Don’t miss your chance to vote for the ANZ People’s Choice award and discover the talent of young artists in the Young Archies exhibition. Family-friendly activities include a children’s trail.
When: 10 May – 17 August 2025
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Naala Nura, our south building Lower level 2
Salon des Refusés
Since 1992, the Salon des Refusés exhibition has showcased exceptional works not chosen for the Archibald and Wynne Prizes’ official exhibitions.
The exhibition features:
- Diverse artworks spanning portraiture, landscape painting, and figure sculpture
- Curated selection highlighting quality, diversity, humor, and experimentation
- Explore contemporary art practices and innovative approaches
The exhibition has earned widespread acclaim, standing on par with the esteemed ‘official’ showcase. Featuring works renowned for their quality, diversity, humor, and innovative experimentation, this exhibition delves into contemporary art practices, various portraiture techniques, and interpretations of the landscape.
When: 10 May 2025 ‐ 27 Jul 2025, 11am ‐ 5pm
Where: S.H. Ervin Gallery, Watson Road, Millers Point (The Rocks)
Food and Drink Events
Good Food & Wine Show
Sit back and be entertained by your favourite chefs, a perfect day out for food and wine lovers. Enjoy a fantastic day out with friends and wander through the show, sampling from hundreds of stalls, chatting to winemakers and distillers and hearing their stories.
When: 20 – 22 June 2025
Where: ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour
Tickets: $35. Full guide here
Sports and Outdoor Events
NSW Regional Events in June
Dubbo Winter Whiskey Festival
Join distilleries from around Australia and the World in a celebration of whiskey and craft spirit culture. Sample and purchase rare and limited-distribution spirits or enjoy some of the distillers favourite spirits in mixed drinks.
Our Saturday night event is a real festival vibe, where you can take a moment to sit back and listen to the Entertainment or visit one of our amazing food vendors and grab some local cuisine
When: 13 & 14 June 2025
Where: Dubbo NSW
Henry Lawson Festival of the Arts – Grenfell
One of Australia’s greatest poets, the town of Grenfell commemorates Henry Lawson’s birth and his amazing legacy with this annual Henry Lawson Festival on the June long weekend. The festival promotes and recognises aspiring Australians in their artistic endeavours.
Enjoy verse, short stories, painting and photography, and more!
When: June long weekend 2025
Where: Grenfell NSW
More details on the official site
The Sussex Inlet Viking Festival
Don’t miss out on the excitement at the Sussex Inlet Viking Festival, honouring the arrival of Jacob Ellmoos in 1880! Jacob hailed from the quaint Danish village of Ensted, near Hostrup, Aabenraa, and this festival celebrates his legacy alongside the vibrant local Aboriginal community, who graciously share their culture with us.
Step into the past and witness 30 Vikings camping on-site, embracing traditional Viking life with tents, fire pits, cooking displays, and authentic Scandinavian cuisine. Engage in thrilling Viking games, armoured combat, knattleikr (similar to mediaeval football), wrestling matches, and crafts demonstrations. Plus, enjoy live music, entertainment, and much more!
Get ready for a jam-packed weekend featuring:
- Engaging re-enactments of Viking battles and games
- Live music all day long
- 2 Kids Zones with rides and entertainment included
- Axe juggling, fire light & magic shows
- 2 Viking Beer Gardens
- Authentic Scandinavian cuisine
When: Saturday 7 June 2025
Where: Ellmoos Reserve, Sussex Inlet, NSW
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